I was to meet the medical superintendent of the hospital and some other staff. It was a strange encounter because the medical superintendent wasn't sure what role I am to play. It was like this was suppose to be planned out for me not the other way around. He didn't even know I was a resident. I had to write out a mini resume for him to get that I graduated from medical school. Then off to the wards which was a bit scary at first, I'm not going to lie.
The assistant professor who picked me up spoke English to me which was great. The only problem with that is she doesn't speak English to others so I still have very little clue what is going on. The carts are written in English which allows me to under stand what has happened to the patient's at least. I can figure out the general disease and treatment plan.This afternoon was pretty much just watching and observing how things worked.
Patients are divided man and woman then admitted to the appropriate gender specific unit. We were a general medicine woman only ward. There are just single beds lined up in rows with small stools next to the beds. The stools are for patient attendants which are comprised mostly of the patient's families. The attendents are not employed by the hospital and are relied on for the patient's basic care including toileting, bathing, feeding, walking, ect. When the doctors see the patient they give the attendants a prescription which they then have to take to the pharmacy to get it filled, cost paid up front. The attendants are the physical therapists, the nursing assistants, and the patient advocates. The "orders" placed in the morning are recommendations for the attendants. That being said there is a woman who from what I gather is employed by the hospital. She is in charge of sweeping the concrete floors then mopping them with a rag. The floors are clean after she is finished.
Orientation was a world wind of activity and I'm not sure how much orienting I received. I was able to find my way back to my room which was a big achievement for the first day. Tomorrow will be the start of rounds at 9 am and meeting the Chief doctor for the unit. I have my fingers crossed because I'm not sure what to expect.